Tag: learning

Well-Rounded Week

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Wisdom

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”

Proverbs 9:10

Wisdom isn’t doing what’s best for me. No longer do I worry about what “looks, feels, or imitates” what the world desires, but willfully desire only that which pleases the Lord.

My amazing principal, Pat, questioned my graduate degree major. “Why not go into leadership?” she asked. Teaching kids to read was my love, why would I change that? Being the center of attention or the “face” of a place is not what I wanted. Unwanted attention might seem fine when you feel unnoticed. But it can lead to unwise choices. Who has your attention? In what ways does wisdom guide you? Do you gain wisdom from following the law? Wise people will fail, just as the unwise. Then what. How do you create fellowship with your Heavenly Father? Wisdom warrants that you turn away from and close the door on anything that wraps you so tight in worldliness, that you can’t breathe the Spirit and be who God desires you to be. Run to what matters most!

Weird

“We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone, whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.”

Dr. Seuss

What makes you weird? Or are you trying to wedge in the cracks of the world, so you don’t stand out? Why do I watch documentaries and dream of traveling the world? Why do I desire the comfort of watching Little House, The Waltons, and westerns? Why do I crave the smell of honeysuckle, coffee, bacon, cinnamon rolls, and an old church or schoolhouse? Why do I yearn for the great outdoors? Why do I count things? Why is it important that I begin each day by reading the WORD, books of the wise, and talking to my Heavenly Papa? If your weirdness helps you love God and others, stay WEIRD. I love being a weirdo.

“Be weird. Be random. Because you never know who would love the person you hide.”

C.S. Lewis

Stay weird (unless it’s against the law) 😉.

Wacky

Yesterday it was 80 degrees. This morning, it felt like an icy rag slapped my face with a 10-degree windchill! Wacky weather everywhere!

It’s just a thought, I know it’s wacky! But I heard if you eat less and move more, you might lose weight. I’ve learned that if I save more and spend less, I can be more generous! Even wackier is the fact smiling might make someone else smile! Checking on a neighbor or calling a friend might even lift your spirits. Showing kindness might even produce a great return…, it’s wacky and weird how it all works.

Wonderful

“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

Abraham Lincoln

Springfield, MO was listed 80th on a list of the happiest cities in America (in the Community and Environment category). It ranked 165th in the Emotional and Well-Being category. You might like the article and survey below! Weird.

https://wallethub.com/edu/happiest-places-to-live/32619?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email#:~:text=%3Ciframe%20src%3D%22https,WalletHub%3C/a%3E%3C/div%3E

What makes life wonderful for you? Pets? Money? Kids? Job? Being able to show generosity, pay bills, and have food on my table does help my emotional well-being. In a more, more, more society, would having MORE money make me happier? I doubt it. Weird.

The interpreter worked her magic as the kids TRIED to sit still. Excitedly, they each wanted to share–and of course, pet Finley! The room is quiet to most of them. To half, it’s complete silence. Hands and hearts of love lead and teach them. My heart was full and happy. It was a WONDERFUL visit.

Two adorable self-tattooed boys asked to pet Finley. Their mom laughed and shared about their artistic talents. I giggled. Two young gals commented on my “Faith Can Move Mountains” shirt. Derek, Pat (I’m mentioning 2 Pats in a post!), and Kailyn from Ozark made my day as we visited about old names, similar names, the Finley River, life, and cancer. Brelyn walked by, wearing a beautiful smile, clasping her Bible. “What did you learn today?” I asked. She shared the wisdom in Ephesians, about being from St. Louis, and that she’s a junior at Missouri State University (my alma mater!). I shared Paul’s letter to the Galatians (where I’m at in my whole WORD study). We shared smiles and a hug. A precious man in a wheelchair struggled when asking questions about Finley. To some, these encounters might seem weird. My walk was MORE than wonderful.

My problems are first world. Today I have air in my lungs, a roof over my head (with heat), and food in my refrigerator. My body might ache, and I might wish for different circumstances. Worry? It’s a waste. I need wisdom, weird, wacky, and wonderful for the WIN!

In a world looking down, I want to look up. It’s weird. Are you willing to be weird?

May wisdom, the weird and wacky, and the wonderful create a wonderful Wednesday-and week!💕

Have you heard of NET, yet? 🦓

At times, my mind is boggled with new learning. Due to its uniqueness, NET cancer is multilayered (symptoms, primary tumor site, treatment options, etc…we are all zebras). We have six new members in our Wednesday support group. Without this group, I would not be where I am today. Recently, I participated in a case study with other NET patients regarding the P.R.R.T. radiation treatment for neuroendocrine cancer. Tomorrow I’ll receive a different treatment and a new bone injection. But first, a blood draw and a visit with my oncologist. Bridging the communication gaps between caregivers and doctors is challenging. Daily tasks and responsibilities take more time than usual. To resume writing, I’m creating office hours and a new schedule. Two days writing and editing, a day with my support group and outreach. One day reading and doing home responsibilities, and my favorite, a day in nature and/or connecting with friends. Each day I’m dedicating time to writing in my journal and movement (and “snapping” my “kids” and grandkids!). Future appointments and a trip to Maryland are in the books. All things take time. I’m so grateful to God for TIME.

Thank you to my family for being a constant source of support. Thank you, friends, for your understanding, prayers, and encouragement. 💛

Do you have wins in the books? What’s wise, weird, wacky, and wonderful to you?

If I’m not able to return texts or emails promptly, I apologize. At times, technology can overwhelm me. It’s a joy to visit your places and see how life is treating you as well.

I hope to see you soon!

Have faith💚 YOU ARE LOVED.

Andy’s Custard for the WIN for FINN! For me, it tasted good going down…but…lol

I love you all to the moon and back!

Pics (with permissions granted)-K.L. Hale

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, and fresh air

K.L. Hale



©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.


Full Circle

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Feeling over the moon I packed my bags again. Two weekend getaways in a row? How dare I think they’d only happen once in a blue moon. Shooting for the moon is a stellar goal! Two years ago I didn’t think I’d be howling at any moon, anytime soon.

Many moons ago a man walked our Earth his Father created. He was totally man, totally God. He hung the moon.

Saying “I love you to the moon and back” to family makes me think of the “over the moon” love that God has for US.

Once in a blue moon, I get disheartened. Then, love and logic lasso my heart and brain. To those who can no longer dream, promise, howl, or even love to the moon and back—I pray for you. You’re in my heart. I speak the name of the moon hanger over you.

Imagine Jesus saying, “I love you to the moon and back!” He means it! What he offers is more than the moon 🌙 What does he want? For us to love him to the moon and back with all our heart! Oh, and love others, too!

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

1 John 4:16
An antique desk invited me to…WRITE! Thank you Keith and Melinda for making me feel at “home”.

Tears flooded my face as we parked. Finn gave me a look—she KNEW. It was a full circle moment. Stone county was home for 15 years and this community, 11 years. This cottage will forever be home in my heart.

Karla’s Cottage, owned by my dear friends/former neighbors, is the perfect place to enjoy before another treatment. Peace and tranquility, combined with exceptionally unique decor, create a flawless faith-filled environment. Even with an achy back, low reserve, and other physical things you can’t “see”, I’m STILL on cloud nine. Dinner with friends, an upcoming good ol’ Ozarks’ shindig with bluegrass, gospel, comedy and more…laughter, love, friendship, music, …my heart is as full as the moon (without any fear of a total eclipse—let’s wait until April for that ;-).

I’ve come full circle. The road ahead will be bumpy at times. This cancer doesn’t “go away”. The bones are responding to treatment (some being stubborn) and a few pesky lymph nodes will need attention. I’m winning! A few days ago I walked my trail thinking of full circles, full moon, and the circular scan I’d soon experience for the upteenth time. “God, you not only created the planets, stars, light, darkness, oceans, animals, and us silly humans, you’ve offered us the moon. I want to lasso it for others.Thank you for bringing me full circle.” As Earth spins, some spin out of their own orbits. The miracles and magic of our world may not be felt or seen because of health, losses (loved ones, health, or finances), anxiety, depression, disease, or even imprisonment in an unbroken circle of criticism or crankiness. I’m blessed beyond the moon. I don’t know why I’m here still while others lose battles. My pain won’t be wasted. Not one second will be taken for granted. For no one is guaranteed another hour, day, or full moon.

Let’s shoot for the moon!

If you were told you only had one full moon left, what would bring you full circle? Do you know you are loved to the moon and back?

Have faith 💚

Surreal
Do you see the craters?

“As I take man’s last step from the surface, back home for some time to come — but we believe not too long into the future — I’d like to just say what I believe history will record: that America’s challenge of today has forged man’s destiny of tomorrow. And, as we leave the Moon at Taurus–Littrow, we leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return, with peace and hope for all mankind.”  

Eugene Cernan-Apollo 17 commander
My peek through the limbs!
Pics by K.L. Hale-dedicated to Gary Fulz, fellow photographer and lover of nature, his JOY-filled daughter who never wastes her pain, and his precious wife and family.
One of MANY amazing notes! If you visit the Branson, MO area, check out Karla’s Cottage—Keith and Melinda will take great care of you! 💛

©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.

Talk about Tuesday!

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In a world where the Super Bowl, awards outfits, and many things make headlines, may I offer some sweet ones?

Photo by Markus Winkler on Pexels.com

Recently my first cousin, Jeff, and his wife, Angela, shared evidence of bragging rights for their daughter! Sagan, there’s no doubt you’ll achieve what you set your mind to accomplish! We’re proud of you!

From their living room to the Wilson back room at Grandpa and Grandma’s, to the river where we all gathered. In a world where we focus on BIG or negative, what’s the good going on right around you? There’s so much to celebrate!

Click on the link to read about Sagan Wilson! (pgs. 36-37)
— Read on digitaleditions.walsworth.com/publication/

And something else BIG to talk about- today’s my Dad’s birthday! Dad, your legacy of love has led to little ones becoming men and women, and now even smaller ones growing and learning.

Shouldn’t we headline the good stuff?

Let’s talk about it! And how about the goodness and love of God? That’s a great topic and headline for every day!

Have faith 💚

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Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

Food for Thought Friday

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Food has never stuffed my mind this much. My mantra has always been, “Eat to live, not live to eat.” An early diagnosis of IBS-C, pre-diabetes, and diabetes made me conscientious of my food choices. With time, I created a healthy and balanced diet (with a few fries now and then). A salad and an apple a day would keep the doctor away, or so I thought. Exercise and daily movement provided motivation for a once-a-week sweet treat! I’ve always known the power of food choices. “We are what we eat” like “We are what we think”. The healthier the better. Nothing explained the pain though. Assuming the “culprits” wreaking havoc on my well-being were mutations, blood issues, and past injuries, primary doctors monitored me with blood tests and clinic visits. Little did we know of a rare cancer. After years of perfecting my eating habits, my digestion despises some of my diet decisions.

It’s a whole new way of eating. It’s a whole new life.

It’s a lot to digest.

Neuroendocrine cancer is diagnosed in 7 out of 100,000 individuals (LACNETS, 2024). It’s rare and can occur anywhere you have endocrine glands. Typically misdiagnosed, it can go undetected for YEARS. 🦓

The massive tumors that caused pain and wreaked havoc on my systems are out for the time being (bones, be nice, I need you!). What can and will I digest now? If you battle any disease or cancer of the “gut” you’re probably nodding your head right now (I’m sorry if you suffer from cancer, Crohn’s,’ IBS, Celiac, fatty liver, gallbladder issues, etc…).

Rather than eating a huge plate of information at a time, I’m taking small bites. It’s better for my digestion. ALL of this is hard to stomach.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

My plate is full.

In the last two weeks, I’ve devoted many hours to researching and learning about nutrition and the NET diet. It’s a good thing I love learning! Just as we’re all zebras, so are our diets and “trigger” foods. All of our calorie needs are different based on the stages of our lives (treatment times, post-surgery, exercise, illness, etc…).Dietician Sina Teskey, M.S., R.D., C.D., shared with our LACNETS group on Wednesday, “Before worrying about what we shouldn’t eat, worry about what we SHOULD eat.” Dairy and meat should only be one-third of my plate (a SMALL plate). “Think of a plate from 1980, not today’s huge plate,” Sina said. We all need several servings of fruits and vegetables per day. My small meal plate (or full small bowl) now includes fiber, protein, greens, and whole grains. For years meat was part of my diet. Several years ago I began meatless days. Since my surgery, I’ve eaten grass-fed beef a handful of times. My protein source is mainly plant-based. My go-to sources include chicken, seafood, Greek yogurt, smoothies, and homemade protein shakes (which are ridiculously priced like most groceries if bought). There is no magic diet that fits everyone. I’m adding foods a few at a time to discover what is digestible and good for me. As my dietician Lydia said yesterday, “The foods that fuel what I love to do.”

Energy bites- Pic by K.L. Hale

“Laughter is brightest in the place where the food is.” – Irish Proverb

Can I avoid processed foods? Let me process that. When I’m receiving treatments, I’m going to need calories—and sometimes pronto! I’ll not open up a new can writing about the COSTS of food; particularly the healthy choices. But for many who can’t grow their own, or afford to buy healthy foods, processed foods are quick and easy. Sometimes we have to pick the best of the worst if calories are needed. I’m trying to be SMART. Why can’t I eat nuts now? Which bread should I buy? Should I EVEN eat bread? How many pancreatic enzymes do I take with each meal? Sugar? What a sweet topic! Of course, the more natural, the better, BUT like it was shared, “If you’re at a party and there’s cake…well, eat the cake if you want!” Don’t deprive yourself of life, but don’t be a glutton. Isn’t it all a balance? It’s a lot to digest.

Sometimes you can do everything right and still get cancer.

From the outside, with my rooted hair, makeup, and a smile, I’m a picture of health. Today has been challenging (a trip to the store to buy needed items that were out of stock, a virus, fatigue, mouth and throat sores) YET, kindness was kindled in a line at the store. The heat from combustible compassion around me gave me hope. The clouds in my mind lifted as I drove home exhausted and desiring to sit and finish this piece.

Does anyone else spend most of their day in their kitchen, deciding what to eat and when, preparing, cleaning, or even worse, in their bathroom most of the day? Do you pray that ANY event is scheduled during your “good” hours (no stomach issues, belly isn’t aching, no pain, no fatigue)? Do you avoid social gatherings due to illness? Or possible pain episodes? How’s your digestion?

I’ll keep digesting decisions with discernment and due diligence, chewing change carefully, and swallowing sweetness that won’t make me sweaty and swollen!

It’s a lot to digest. So, if I feast, it’ll be on faith.💚

A huge THANK YOU to the LACNETS organization for their podcast and special ZOOM session with Dietician Sina Teskey, M.S., R.D., C.D.,. To my dietician, Lydia Martinez (MS, RD, LD), thank you for our amazing visit yesterday. Without the support of my Heavenly Father, family, doctors, friends like you reading this, my support group, and amazing organization, I’d be malnourished!

 We all have a full plate and much to digest! Take small bites of bountiful blessings and avoid choking on the challenges!

Have faith 💚

For your palate pleasure, here are a few recipes I’ve made and digested well! Thank you to LACNETS for the smoothie and energy bite recipe!

Bibliography: LACNETS. (2024, January 25). Newly Diagnosed. Retrieved from LACNETS: http://www.lacnetc.org/newlydiagnosed

K.L. Hale's avatar

Embracing imperfection with faith, flannel, & fresh air

K.L. Hale

©2020-2024 Flannel with Faith. All rights reserved.